Phil Foden Closing in on a Return to Form After Difficult Spell

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden said he was starting to get back to the level he had previously reached, adding that his recent scoring form had boosted his confidence ahead of his side’s Champions League match against Leipzig.

Foden scored 27 goals in all competitions in 2024 and won the Premier League Player of the Season award and the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year award. The source said his subsequent dip in form led to him being left out of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Foden scored his first league goal of the season against Ipswich Town last month, after returning from suspension following his sending-off against Manchester United. He then scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in City’s 5-1 win over AEK Athens in the Champions League.

Foden said the time away after his sending-off had helped him physically and mentally, and that regular appearances and contributing goals were helping him build confidence and rhythm. He added that he had not spoken to England manager Thomas Tuchel since being left out, and that his focus was on Manchester City, while hoping to get a chance to return to the national team in the future.